Seerat-i-Tayyiba — Page 55
55 gave the woman the amount, and in spite of the fact that she was a poor woman, she returned the loan in time. This is an example which many young men would do well to follow carefully these days. 6 In the light of the Islamic teaching in this respect, Hazrat Amma Jaan was always very solicitous for the welfare, bringing up, and proper education of orphans. Ever since I can remember, I always saw some young orphan, boy or girl, growing up under her loving care. And these children living and growing in her home, she never treated as her servants. She took care of all their needs, looking after their comfort, providing for their education, and always treating them in a manner calculated to develop in them a proper sense of self- respect. Brought up in this ways, tens of children, through her loving care became, in after years, responsible and useful members of the community. In many cases, and on many occasions, she took special delight in serving them personally, with her own hands. She bathed them, combed and dressed their hair, provided change of clothing- and she would do these things herself, with her own hands, instead of leaving the task to her attendants. In view of her behavior and attitude of mind in such matters, which I saw with my own eyes, throughout my own life, as long as she lived, I do not have the slightest doubt that in the life to come she would get her full share of the happy tidings given by the Holy Prophet Muhammad that: “On the Day of Judg ment, I and the person who brought up orphans with proper care shall be together like the fingers of one hand. ” 7 Hospitality was another distinctive feature of Hazrat Amma Jaan’s character and personality. She often invited her relations and other people to meals. When any special dish was prepared in her home, she sent them a share. When grown up and married, I had separate quarters of my own, and a separate household, according to my needs; but Hazrat Amma Jaan sent meals for me on so many occasions that it is impossible for me to count them. If any relation, or some lady visitor happened to be present in her home near meal time, she never let them take their leave without first joining her in the meal. In detaining visitors on such occasions she even did not hesitate to exercise the position of loving authority